NEW DELHI: The number of Delhi Police personnel caught on the wrong side of law is increasing with over 1800 personnel facing action for dereliction of duty in the first half of this year against 1,910 last year.

A total of 1,849 police personnel, including 147 Inspectors, faced action for dereliction of duty till June 30 this year, a senior police official said.

The first six month's figure has already surpassed the figures of 2008 and 2009 when action was taken against 987 and 1,813 police personnel respectively.

The complaints regarding involvement of policemen in illegal constructions in Delhi has also shown a similar trend with statistics revealing that 121 cases have come to light this year till June 30 as against a total of 140 last year.

While action has been taken against 40 police personnel this year, 104 faced punishment last year. In 2008, 26 cases were reported in which 14 personnel faced action while 75 complaints were received in 2009 and 81 personnel punished.

A constable was also found in possession of illegal arms and ammunition this year. Last year, two similar cases and in 2009, one case was reported.

Out of the 1,849 personnel who faced action on charges of dereliction of duty this year, the largest chunk came from Constabulary. While 671 constables were punished, the number for Head Constables were 512 as against 717 and 475 last year respectively.

For Sub Inspectors, the number was 197 and Assistant Sub Inspectors it was 322. Last year, 213 Sub Inspectors and 309 Assistant Sub Inspectors faced action.